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Dangerous goods that may be carried by passengers and crew

The items in this table are the dangerous goods that passengers may take with them when they fly. Airlines and security screening agencies still have the right to refuse the carriage of certain items. Refer to the columns to see if the items can be carried in your check-in baggage, in your carry on baggage or on your person (in your pockets). Items in Orange or with "Operator Approval Required" requires the specific approval of each operator that you intend to fly with.

This table is valid from 1 January to 31 December 2011

Note, This table has been constructed from the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, which is subscribed to by the major and international airlines, and from questions that are frequently asked. For the full text of the dangerous goods that passengers and crew may carry, refer to Part 8 of the ICAO Technical Instructions 2011-2012.

Article Carry-on baggage Check-in baggage Permitted on person Operator Approval Required Not permitted on aircraft
Lithium Ion Batteries with a Watt hour rating exceeding 160 Wh.
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for Lithium Batteries.
        X
"Strike Anywhere" matches are forbidden for air transport.         X
"Blue Flame" or "Cigar" lighters are not permitted.         X
Lighter fuel and lighter refills are not permitted.         X
Petrol based (flammable liquid) lighters without absorbent wadding are not permitted.         X
Disabling Devices such as Mace, Pepper Spray etc. containing an irritant or incapacitating substance.         X
Security Type Attache Cases, cash boxes, cash bags etc incorporating dangerous goods such as lithium batteries and/or pyrotechnic materials - defective, damaged or not otherwise permitted.         X
Sparklers         X
Christmas Crackers, bon-bons, unassembled - construct your own.         X
Electro Shock Weapons (eg. Tasers) containing Dangerous Goods such as explosives, compressed gases, lithium batteries, etc., are forbidden in carry-on baggage or checked baggage or on the person.         X
Household Aerosol with a flammable gas diamond, not sporting or toiletry item (i.e. fly spray).         X
Camping Stoves and fuel containers containing a flammable liquid fuel are not permitted.         X
Fireworks         X
Toiletries or toilet articles (including aerosols) such as hairsprays, perfumes and colognes.
Note – The total net quantity of aerosols, toiletries and medicinal articles must not exceed 2 kg or 2 litres, and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5L.
Note – Ensure the protective cap is fitted to aerosols in order to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.
Note – International carry-on baggage limitations (click here to review information regarding Liquids, Aerosols and Gels on the Department of Infrastructure and Transport web site).
Yes Yes Yes No
Alcoholic beverages when in retail packagings, containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume, in receptacles not exceeding 5L, with a total net quantity per person of 5L. Note international carry-on baggage limitations Yes Yes Yes No
Portable Electronic Devices containing Lithium metal or Lithium ion cells or batteries such as watches, calculating machines, cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers, camcorders etc., when carried by passengers or crew for personal use.
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for Lithium Batteries.
Yes Yes Yes No
Lithium or lithium ion batteries (Low Power) - eg. Spare batteries on their own – must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
  • Lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries must not have a lithium content exceeding 2 grams; or
  • Lithium ion batteries must not have a Watt Hour rating of more than 100Wh.
Spare batteries must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch).
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for Lithium Batteries.
Yes No Yes No
Safety matches (one small packet) or a cigarette lighter containing either liquefied gas or absorbed liquid fuel, intended for use by an individual when carried on the person.
Note - Most operators do not permit book matches irrespective of whether they are ""safety"" matches.
No No Yes No
Christmas Crackers, bon-bons, fully assembled. No Yes No No
Personal liquid hand disinfectant and moist wipes for hygiene. Yes Yes Yes No
Fuel Cell systems and spare fuel cartridges, powering portable electronic devices (for example cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers and camcorders).
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for fuel cell systems and spare fuel cartridges.
Yes No Yes No
eCigarettes and Electronic Cigarettes
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for e-Cigarettes and electronic cigarettes.
Yes Yes Yes No
Energy Efficient Light Bulbs when in retail packaging intended for personal or home use. Yes Yes Yes No
Non-radioactive medicinal articles eg. Asthma puffers (inhalers) and medicines containing alcohol.
Note – The total net quantity of aerosols, toiletries and medicinal articles must not exceed 2 kg or 2 litres, and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5L.
Note – Ensure the protective cap is fitted to aerosols in order to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.
Note – International carry-on baggage limitations (click here to review information regarding Liquids, Aerosols and Gels on the Department of Infrastructure and Transport web site).
Yes Yes Yes No  
Medical or clinical thermometer which contains mercury. One per passenger for personal use. Must be kept in its protective case. Yes Yes Yes No  
Non-flammable, non toxic gas cylinders worn for the operation of mechanical limbs. Also spare cylinders of a similar size if required to ensure an adequate supply for the duration of the journey. Yes Yes Yes No  
Radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers or other devices, including those powered by lithium batteries, implanted into a person, or radiopharmaceuticals contained within the body of a person as a result of medical treatment. No No Yes No  
Aerosols in Division 2.2 (non-flammable, non-toxic gases - will have a green diamond on the back) with no subsidiary risk, for sporting or home use.
Note – The total net quantity of aerosols, toiletries and medicinal articles must not exceed 2 kg or 2 litres, and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5L.
Note – Ensure the protective cap is fitted to aerosols in order to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.
No Yes No No
Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas, up to one per person provided that the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element.
Note – The hair curler must not be used on board the aircraft.
Note – Gas refills for these hair curlers must not be carried in checked or carry on baggage.
Yes Yes No No  
Lithium Ion Batteries (Medium Power) - eg. Spare batteries on their own – with a Watt hour rating exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh for portable electronic devices. No more than two spare batteries may be carried in carry-on baggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for Lithium Batteries.
Yes No Yes Yes  
Portable Electronic Devices containing Lithium Ion Batteries (eg. batteries are contained within equipment) with a Watt hour rating exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh for consumer electronic devices when carried by passengers or crew for personal use.
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for Lithium Batteries.
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Security Type Equipment (such as attache cases, cash boxes & cash bags etc) incorporating dangerous goods as part of this equipment (for example lithium batteries or pyrotechnic material).
No Yes No Yes
Mercury barometers and thermometers carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency.
Yes No No Yes
Chemical Agent Monitoring Equipment, when carried by staff members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on official travel. Yes Yes No Yes
Carbon Dioxide, solid (sometimes called dry ice) – in quantities not exceeding 2.5 kg (5lb) per passenger when used to pack perishables provided the package permits the release of gas. Each item of checked baggage must be marked "Dry Ice" or "Carbon Dioxide, Solid" and with the net weight of dry ice or an indication that there is 2.5kg or less dry ice. Yes Yes No Yes
Heat producing articles (battery powered equipment capable of producing extreme heat) – such as underwater torches and soldering irons. The heat producing component or the battery is to be packed separately, so as to prevent activation during transport.
Note - Any battery that has been removed must be protected against short circuit.
Yes Yes No Yes
Insulated packages containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen (sometimes called a dry shipper). The liquid nitrogen must be fully absorbed in a porous material and intended for transport, at low temperature of non-dangerous products. The design of the packaging must not allow the build up of pressure within the container and must not permit the release of any refrigerated liquid nitrogen irrespective of the orientation of the package. Yes Yes No Yes
Oxygen or air, gaseous, cylinders, required for medical use. The cylinder must not exceed 5 kg gross weight.
Note - Liquid Oxygen systems are forbidden for transport.
Note - Cylinders, valves and regulators, where fitted, must be protected from damage that could cause inadvertent release of contents.
Note - The Pilot in Command is to be informed.
Yes Yes No Yes
Wheelchair or Other Battery Powered Mobility Device with non-spillable battery
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for wheelchair or other battery powered mobility device with non-spillable battery.
No Yes No Yes
Wheelchairs or other battery powered mobility device with spillable batteries or with lithium ion batteries.
Note - The Pilot in Command is to be informed.
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for wheelchair or other battery powered mobility device with spillable battery or with lithium ion batteries.
No Yes No Yes
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for portable oxygen concentrators.
Yes Yes No Yes
Portable Medical Electronic Devices (Automated External Defibrillators (AED), Nebulizer, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), etc,) containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries. Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ammunition (cartridges for weapons) which are securely packaged (in Division 1.4S, UN0012 or UN0014 only) in quantities not exceeding 5 kg gross weight per person, for that person's own use.
Note – Ammunition must not have explosive or incendiary projectiles.
Note – Allowances for more than one passenger must not be combined into one or more packages.
No Yes No Yes
Avalanche rescue backpack – One per passenger, equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing less than 200mg net of Division 1.4S and less than 250mg of compressed gas in Division 2.2. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves. Yes Yes No Yes
Camping Stoves and fuel containers that have contained a flammable liquid fuel. The fuel stove, fuel tank and/or fuel container must have been emptied and action taken to nullify the hazard.
Note - For more information see the specific passenger air transport conditions for camping stoves and fuel containers that have contained a flammable liquid fuel.
No Yes No Yes
Non-flammable gas cylinders, fitted into a Lifejacket, containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas in Division 2.2. Up to two small cylinders per passenger and up to two spare cartridges. Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watch - See Portable Electronic Devices


 
Camera - See Portable Electronic Devices


 
Cellular Phone - See Portable Electronic Devices


 

Camping Stoves and Fuel Containers that have previously contained a Flammable Liquid Fuel

With the approval of the operator, as checked baggage only, camping stoves and fuel containers for camping stoves that have contained a flammable liquid fuel may be carried provided the fuel tank of the camping stove, and/or fuel container has been completely drained of all liquid fuel and action has been taken to nullify the danger.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends that to nullify the danger, the empty fuel tank and/or container must be allowed to drain for at least 1 hour, the fuel tank and/or container must then be left uncapped for a minimum of 6 hours to allow any residual fuel to evaporate.

Alternative methods, such as adding cooking oil to the fuel tank and/or container to elevate the flash point of any residual liquid above the flash point of flammable liquid and then emptying the fuel tank and/or container, are equally acceptable.

The fuel tank, and/or container must then have the cap securely fastened and be wrapped in an absorbent material such as paper towel and placed in a polyethylene or equivalent bag. The top of the bag must then be sealed or gathered and closed with an elastic band or twine.

Guidance on how to prepare a spillable battery-powered wheelchair or mobility device

Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids with Non-spillable Batteries

Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility aids for use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg), with non-spillable batteries. Non-spillable batteries must comply with Special Provision A67 (see below) or the vibration and pressure differential tests of Packing Instruction 872. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container, and the battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.

Operators must ensure that wheelchairs or other battery-powered mobility aids are carried in such a manner so as to prevent unintentional operation and that the wheelchair/mobility aid is protected from being damaged by the movement of baggage, mail, stores or cargo. It is recommended that passengers make advance arrangements with each operator.

Special Provision A67

Non-spillable batteries meeting the requirements of Packing Instruction 872 are not subject to these Regulations if, at a temperature of 55°C (131°F), the electrolyte will not flow from a ruptured or cracked case. The battery must not contain any free or unabsorbed liquid.

Any electrical battery or battery powered device, equipment or vehicle having the potential of dangerous evolution of heat must be prepared for transport so as to prevent:

  1. A short circuit (e.g. in the case of batteries, by the effective insulation of exposed terminals; or in the case of equipment, by disconnection of the battery and protection of exposed terminals); and
  2. Unintentional activation.

Note - The battery manufacturer should be able to advise as to whether the battery meets the requirements of Special Provision A67.  This is often provided on a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and is usually obtainable from the manufacturer's web site.

Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids with Spillable Batteries

Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility aids for use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg), with spillable batteries. Provided that the wheelchair or mobility aid can be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position then the battery may remain installed in the wheelchair.

The battery terminals must be protected from short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container, and the battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.

Operators must ensure that wheelchairs or other battery-powered mobility aids are carried in such a manner so as to prevent unintentional operation and that the wheelchair/mobility aid is protected from being damaged by the movement of baggage, mail, stores or cargo. If the wheelchair or mobility aid cannot be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position, the battery must be removed and the wheelchair or mobility aid may then be carried as checked baggage without restriction.

The removed battery must be carried in strong, rigid packagings as follows:

(a)   Packagings must be leak-tight, impervious to battery fluid and be protected against upset by securing to pallets or by securing them in cargo compartments using appropriate means of securement (other than by bracing with freight or baggage) such as by use of restraining straps, brackets or holders;  and,

(b)   Batteries must be protected against short circuits, secured upright in these packagings and surrounded by compatible absorbent material sufficient to absorb their total liquid contents; and,

(c)   These packagings must be marked "BATTERY, WET, WITH WHEELCHAIR" or "BATTERY, WET, WITH MOBILITY AID" and be labelled with the "Corrosive" label and with the "Package Orientation" label.

The pilot-in-command must be informed of the location of a wheelchair or mobility aid with an installed battery or the location of a packed battery.

It is recommended that passengers make advance arrangements with each operator; also that batteries which are spillable should be fitted with spill-resistant vent caps when feasible.

Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids with Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion battery powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility aids for use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg), subject to the following conditions:

(a)   The batteries must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3 (contact the battery manufacturer for further information); and,

(b)   Battery terminals must be protected from short circuits (e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container), and the battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid; and,

(c)   The operator(s) must ensure that such mobility aids are carried in a manner so as to prevent unintentional activation and that they are protected from being damaged by the movement of baggage, mail, stores or other cargo; and,

(d)   The pilot-in-command must be informed of the location of the mobility aid.

It is recommended that passengers make advance arrangements with each operator.

Fuel Cell Systems Contained in Portable Electronic Devices

Fuel cell systems used to power portable electronic devices (for example cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers, and camcorders), and spare fuel cell cartridges, under the following conditions:

  1. Fuel cells and fuel cell cartridges may only contain flammable liquids, corrosive substances, liquefied flammable gas, water-reactive substances or hydrogen in metal hydride;
  2. Refuelling of fuel cells on board an aircraft is not permitted except that the installation of a spare cartridge is allowed;
  3. The maximum quantity of fuel in any fuel cell or fuel cell cartridge must not exceed:
    1. for liquids, 200 mL;
    2. for solids 200 g;
    3. for liquefied gases, 120 mL for non metallic fuel cells or fuel cell cartridges or 200 mL for metal fuel cells or fuel cell cartridges;
    4. for hydrogen in metal hydride the fuel cell cartridges must have a water capacity of 120 mL or less.
  4. Each fuel cell and each fuel cell cartridge must conform to IEC PAS 62282-6-1 Ed. 1, and must be marked with a manufacturer's certification that it conforms to the specification. In addition, each fuel cell cartridge must be marked with the maximum quantity and type of fuel in the cartridge;
  5. No more than two spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried by a passenger as follows:
    1. fuel cell cartridges containing flammable liquids, corrosive substances, liquefied flammable gas or hydrogen in metal hydride in carry-on baggage, in checked baggage, or on the person;
    2. fuel cell cartridges containing water-reactive substances may only be carried in carry on baggage or on the person.
  6. Fuel cells or fuel cell systems containing fuel are permitted in carry-on baggage only;
  7. Interaction between fuel cells and integrated batteries in a device must conform to IEC PAS 62282-6-1 Ed. 1. Fuel cells or fuel cell systems whose sole function is to charge a battery in the device are not permitted;
  8. fuel cell systems must be of a type that will not charge batteries when the portable electronic device is not in use and must be durably marked by the manufacturer: "APPROVED FOR CARRIAGE IN AIRCRAFT CABIN ONLY" to so indicate; and
  9. In addition to the languages which may be required by the State of Origin for the markings specified above, English should be used.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Definition

Portable Oxygen Concentrator means the AirSep LifeStyle, AirSep FreeStyle, Inogen One, SeQual Eclipse, or Respironics EverGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator medical device units as long as those medical device units assist a user of medical oxygen under a doctor's care. These units perform by separating oxygen from nitrogen and other gases contained in ambient air and dispensing it in concentrated form to the user.

Operating Requirements

AirSep LifeStyle, AirSep FreeStyle, Inogen One, SeQual Eclipse, or Respironics EverGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator units are approved for use for carriage and use by a passenger on board an aircraft provided the following conditions are satisfied:

  1. The device does not cause interference with the electrical, navigation or communication equipment on the aircraft on which the device is to be used;
  2. No smoking or open flame is permitted within 10 feet of any seat row where a person is using a portable oxygen concentrator;
  3. During movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing, the unit must:
    1. Either be stowed under the seat in front of the user, or in another approved stowage location, so that it does not block the aisle way or the entryway into the row; or
    2. If it is to be operated by the user, be used only at a seat location that does not restrict any passenger's access to, or use of, any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the passenger compartment;
  • No person using a portable oxygen concentrator is permitted to sit in an exit row;
  • The pilot in command must be apprised whenever a passenger brings and intends to use a portable oxygen concentrator on board the aircraft and the pilot in command must be informed about the contents of the physician's written statement including the magnitude and nature of the passenger's oxygen needs;
  • Whenever the pilot in command turns off the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign, or otherwise signifies that permission is granted to move about the passenger cabin, passengers operating their portable oxygen concentrator may continue to operate it while moving about the cabin; and
  • The user of the portable oxygen concentrator must comply with the following conditions to use the device on board the aircraft:
  1. The user must be capable of hearing the unit's alarms, seeing the alarm light indicators, and have the cognitive ability to take the appropriate action in response to the various caution and warning alarms and alarm light indicators, or be travelling with someone who is capable of performing those functions;
  2. The user must ensure that the portable oxygen concentrator is free of oil, grease or other petroleum products and is in good condition free from damage or other signs of excessive wear or abuse;
  3. The user must inform the aircraft operator that he or she intends to use a portable oxygen concentrator on board the aircraft and must allow the crew of the aircraft to review the contents of the physician's statement. The user must have a written statement, to be kept in that person's possession, signed by a licensed physician that:
    1. states whether the user of the device has the physical and cognitive ability to see, hear, and understand the device's aural and visual cautions and warnings and is able, without assistance, to take the appropriate action in response to those cautions and warnings;
    2. states whether or not oxygen use is medically necessary for all or a portion of the duration of the trip; and
    3. specifies the maximum oxygen flow rate corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions.
  • Only lotions or salves that are oxygen approved may be used by persons using the portable oxygen concentrator device;
  • The user, whose physician statement specifies the duration of oxygen use, must obtain from the aircraft operator, or by other means, the duration of the planned flight. The user must carry on the flight a sufficient number of batteries to power the device for the duration of the oxygen use specified in the user's physician statement, including a conservative estimate of any unanticipated delays; and
  • The user must ensure that all portable oxygen concentrator batteries carried onboard the aircraft in carry-on baggage are protected from short circuit and are packaged in a manner that protects them from physical damage. Batteries protected from short circuit include: (1) Those designed with recessed battery terminals; or (2) Those packaged so that the battery terminals do not contact metal objects (including the battery terminals of other batteries). When a battery-powered oxygen concentrator is carried onboard aircraft as carry-on baggage and is not intended to be used during the flight, the battery must be removed and packaged separately unless the concentrator contains at least two effective protective features to prevent accidental operation during transport.

Operators should ensure that procedures dealing with the above matters are specified in their operations manual. In relation to items brought on board by passengers, operators should also consider potential dangerous goods implications.